Air Pollution Control Act

The Air Pollution Control Act (APCA) of 1955 was the first legislation on
air pollution enacted by the U.S. federal government. It resulted after a
number of failed attempts, initiated by California's
representatives, in the Senate or Congress. Air pollution had long been
regarded as a local problem, and the federal government was hesitant to
interfere with states' rights. As a result, APCA was rather narrow
in scope and effect.

According to the law, the Public Health Service was authorized to spend $3
million per year for five years to research the effects of air pollution
and provide technical assistance, research, and training in the area of
air pollution to state and local air-quality districts. No money was
appropriated for the control of this problem.

APCA was amended in 1960 and then again in 1962, with requests to the
Surgeon General to conduct research on the relationship between motor
vehicle exhaust and human health.